HC Deb 06 July 1938 vol 338 cc388-9
75. Mr. G. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Health when his report for 1937 will be available for Members; and will he arrange for a report, in future, to be published earlier than July?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

My right hon. Friend anticipates that it will be possible to publish the report, which relates to the financial year ended 31st March, 1938, in about four weeks' time. With regard to the second part of the question, it has to be borne in mind that the report is based to a large extent on statistical information which has to be obtained from local authorities and analysed in the Department.

Mr. Griffiths

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this report will come out while Parliament is in Recess, and that we shall not be able to discuss it until December? We want to discuss it before the Recess.

Mr. Bernays

I have pointed out that there are certain difficulties in the way, and my right hon. Friend is looking into the matter, but I cannot give any undertaking.

Mr. Griffiths

Will it be speeded up so that we can have the report before the Recess?